Calculator, recording medium and compute server

ABSTRACT

A calculator includes an input unit and a processor. The processor is configured to perform following processes: receiving a selection of a calculation function type according to a user&#39;s operation; receiving an input of calculation object data according to the selected calculation function type, according to a user&#39;s operation; and outputting at least one of the calculation object data and calculation result data obtained by a calculation based on the input calculation object data, as external data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2014-191868 filed on Sep. 19, 2014, 2014-191879 filedon Sep. 19, 2014, 2014-236135 filed on Nov. 21, 2014, and 2014-239295filed on Nov. 26, 2014, the contents of which being here incorporatedfor reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a calculator, a recording medium, acompute server, and the like appropriate for performing variouscalculations.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, information display devices which have various typesof calculation functions and are called scientific calculators arewidely used.

These information display devices can perform calculation functions suchas the four basic arithmetic operations, a matrix calculation function,a statistic calculation function, and an equation calculation function.If a user selects an operating mode for a desired type of computingfunction and inputs a calculation expression to be a calculation objectand numerical values according to the selected type of computingfunction, such an information display device performs a calculation, anddisplays the calculation result.

Further, an advantage of the information display devices which arescientific calculators is that they are easy to carry such that userscan simply perform desired types of calculations, thereby obtaining thecalculation results.

Therefore, in order to interpret or analyze the calculation process of acalculation performed by such an information display device, and theresult of the calculation, a separate calculator having a function forthe corresponding interpretation or analysis needs to be used, and thecorresponding separate calculator needs to reproduce the samecalculation process and a state where data on the calculation result hasbeen obtained.

In JP-A-2011-076540, as a method of making a plurality of informationdevices share common data without a communication function, there hasbeen proposed a technology in which one device displays a QR code (atrademark) corresponding to input text data on one device, and anotherdevice photographs the displayed QR code by a camera, and converts theQR code into the original text data, and displays the original textdata.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

If the technology proposed in JP-A-2011-076540 is used, it can beconsidered to convert data on the calculation process and thecalculation result of the information display device into a QR code, andsupply the QR code to another calculator. However, even though dataobtained in the current calculation state is supplied to anothercalculator, the user cannot obtain desired reference information (suchas calculation object data and analysis data thereof) with anappropriate format.

The present invention was made in view of the above described problem,and an object of the present invention is to provide a calculatorcapable of outputting appropriate data for generating appropriatereference information in an external device such that the externaldevice can acquire the output data, a compute server which acts as theexternal device, a calculator control program, a server control program,and a calculator system.

A calculator according to the present invention includes an input unitand a processor. The processor is configured to perform followingprocesses: receiving a selection of a calculation function typeaccording to a user's operation; receiving an input of calculationobject data according to the selected calculation function type,according to a user's operation; and outputting at least one of thecalculation object data and calculation result data obtained by acalculation based on the input calculation object data, as externaldata.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of acalculator system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of anelectronic circuit of a scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of anelectronic circuit of a compute server 30

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a part of a display control processof the scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another part of the display controlprocess of the scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the other part of the displaycontrol process of the scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a server process of the computeserver 30.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating display operations according to user'soperations in a matrix mode according to the display control process ofthe scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating image data of matrix calculation referenceinformation generated according to the server process of the computeserver 30 based on barcode content data (QR data) in the matrix mode ofthe scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a display operation according tocalculation object element data input according to user's operations ina statistic mode according to the display control process of thescientific calculator 10, and image data of statistic calculationreference information (a first example) generated according to theserver process of the compute server 30 based on barcode content data(QR data) output during the corresponding display operation.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a display operation according tostatistic calculation performance according to user's operations in thestatistic mode according to the display control process of thescientific calculator 10, and image data of statistic calculationreference information (a second example) generated according to theserver process of the compute server 30 based on barcode content data(QR data) output during the corresponding display operation.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a display operation according tostatistic calculation performance according to user's operations in thestatistic mode according to the display control process of thescientific calculator 10, and image data of statistic calculationreference information generated according to the server process of thecompute server 30 based on barcode content data (QR data) output duringthe corresponding display operation.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating display operations according to user'soperations in an equation mode according to the display control processof the scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating image data of equation calculationreference information generated according to the server process of thecompute server 30 based on barcode content data (QR data) in theequation mode of the scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the functionalconfiguration of an information processing system.

FIG. 16A is a flow chart illustrating the flow of a QR data generatingprocess.

FIG. 16B is a flow chart illustrating the flow of a QR data usingprocess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of acalculator system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

Here, as an example, it will be described a system which is composed ofa scientific calculator 10 (a scientific calculator 10′) which is aninformation display device which is used by a student, a communicationdevice 20 (a portable terminal 20′) with a camera, such as a tablet PCwith a camera, which the corresponding student or a teacher uses tophotograph a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (a trademark)displayed on the scientific calculator 10 (the scientific calculator10′), a compute server 30 (a server 30′) which receives calculationfunction type data and calculation object data according to the contentdata of the two-dimensional code Q photographed by the communicationdevice 20 (the portable terminal 20′) with the camera, from thecommunication device 20 (the portable terminal 20′) through acommunication network N such as the Internet, and generates calculationreference information (such as the calculation object data and theanalysis result thereof) of an appropriate format according to thecalculation function type data and the calculation object data, thecommunication device 20 (the portable terminal 20′) with the camerawhich receives the calculation reference information generated by thecompute server 30 (the server 30′), through the communication network N,and displays the calculation reference information, and a projector Pwhich magnifies and projects the calculation reference informationdisplayed on the corresponding communication device 20, as shown inFIG. 1. Also, the device names in parentheses are device names in asecond embodiment.

Further, the communication device 20 (the portable terminal 20′) withthe camera is not limited to a tablet PC with a camera, and can beconfigured as a PDA (a personal digital assistant) with a camera, asmart phone with a camera, a laptop (a personal computer) with a cameraor connected to a camera, an electronic blackboard, or the like.

Also, FIG. 1 separately shows two communication devices 20 (portableterminals 20′) with cameras; however, they are just for showing atransition of a display output unit 21 from when a two-dimensional codeis photographed to when calculation reference information is received.Actually, one communication device 20 with the camera is prepared forone student or one teacher. Further, FIG. 1 shows one representativescientific calculator 10 (the scientific calculator 10′); however,actually, the number of scientific calculators which are included in thesystem is according to the number of students. Also, one scientificcalculator 10 for a teacher may be further included.

The scientific calculator 10 (the scientific calculator 10′) isconfigured in a small size due to the necessity of portability such thata user can sufficiently grip it with one hand and operate it with onehand. On the front surface of the main body of the scientific calculator10, a key input unit 11 and a display output unit 12 are provided.

The key input unit 11 includes a numerical-value/operation-symbol keygroup 111 for inputting numbers or expressions, or instructingcalculation execution, a function key group 112 for inputting variousfunctions or starting a memory function, a mode setting key group 113for displaying a menu screen of various operating modes or instructingsetting of an operating mode, a cursor key 114 for performing anoperation to move a cursor displayed on the display output unit 12, anoperation to select a data item, etc.

As the numerical-value/operation-symbol key group 111, “0” to “9”(numeric) keys, “+”, “−”, “×”, and “÷” (four basic operation symbols)keys, “Ans” and “=” (execution) keys, “AC” (clear) key, and so on arearranged.

As the function key group 112, an “x⁻¹” (x to the negative one power;the reciprocal of x) key, a “√□” (root) key, a “□/□” (fraction) key, a“sin” (since) key, an “M+” (memory plus) key, a “STO” (memoryregistration) key, and so on are arranged.

As the mode setting key group 113, a “MODE” (mode) key 27, a “SHIFT”(shift) key, an “ALPHA” (alphabet) key, an “ON” (power-on) key, and soon are arranged.

Also, each key of the number/operation-symbol key group 111 and thefunction key group 112 is configured so as to be able to act as a keyfor a function written above the corresponding key, not a functionwritten on the corresponding key, if the corresponding key is operatedafter the “SHIFT” key is operated. For example, an operation on the “AC”key after an operation on the “SHIFT” key (This will be hereinafterreferred to as a “SHIFT”+“AC” key. The same applies hereinafter) becomesan “OFF” (power-off) key. A “SHIFT”+“STO” key becomes an “RCL” (memorylist display) key. A “SHIFT”+“OPTN (option)” key becomes a “QR” key 26.Also, the “QR” key 26 may be configured as one independent function key.

The display output unit 12 is composed of a dot matrix type liquidcrystal display unit.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of anelectronic circuit of the scientific calculator 10.

The electronic circuit of the scientific calculator 10 includes a CPU 13which is a computer, a memory 14, and a recording-medium reading unit15, in addition to the key input unit 11 and the display output unit 12.Also, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 2, the electronic circuit mayinclude a wireless communication unit 16.

The CPU 13 controls the operation of each unit of the circuit accordingto an expression computation process program 141 stored in the memory14, thereby executing various calculation processes according to keyinput signals from the key input unit 11. The expression computationprocess program 141 may be stored in advance in the memory 14, or may beloaded from an external recording medium M such as a memory card intothe memory 14 through the recording-medium reading unit 15. Theexpression computation process program 141 is configured such that auser cannot rewrite the corresponding program by operating the key inputunit 11.

In the memory 14, in order to store data which the user can rewrite,besides such information which the user cannot rewrite, an input dataarea 142 is ensured.

Here, the input data area 142 sequentially receives key code data itemsinput by the keys of the key input unit 11, and stores expression dataand table data composed by them. For example, numeric keys are stored ascodes representing numbers, and function keys such as the “sin” key arestored as codes representing corresponding functions, and arithmeticsymbol keys such as “+”, “−”, “×”, and “÷” keys are stored as codesrepresenting the corresponding arithmetic symbols. Also, in the inputdata area 142, variables such as different numerical values which areindividually registered with respect to nine characters A, B, C, D, E,F, M, X, and Y are stored. For example, if the “3” key, the “STO” key,and the “−” key (= an “A” key) are operated, a numerical value “3” isregistered for the variable A. Further, calculation data such as acalculation function type (such as “FOUR-BASIC-OPERATION FUNCTION”,“COMPLEX NUMBER CALCULATION FUNCTION”, “N-ARY CALCULATION FUNCTION”,“MATRIX CALCULATION FUNCTION”, “VECTOR CALCULATION FUNCTION”, “STATISTICCALCULATION FUNCTION”, “FUNCTION EXPRESSION TABLE CALCULATION FUNCTION”,or “EQUATION CALCULATION FUNCTION”) set according to an operation on the“MODE” key of the key input unit 11, a calculation type such as acalculation expression according to the calculation function type, andcalculation data such as numerical values input as calculation elements,and calculation result data acquired according to calculationperformance are stored. Also, the calculation function type and thecalculation type according to the calculation function type will becollectively referred to as the “calculation function type”, and thecalculation data which are calculation elements will be referred to asthe “function-based calculation data”.

The wireless communication unit 16 has a function of performing wirelesscommunication with an external device such as the communication device20 with the camera by Bluetooth (a trademark), infrared communication,or the like.

The CPU 13 of the scientific calculator 10 configured as described abovecontrols the operations of the individual units of the circuit accordingto commands described in the expression computation process program 141such that software and hardware operate in cooperation with each other,thereby implementing a display control function of converting thecalculation function type, function-based calculation data, andcalculation result data according to an expression computation processof the scientific calculator 10 into a two-dimensional code (in thepresent embodiment, a two-dimensional code image (a QR code)) anddisplaying the two-dimensional code by the display output unit 12, aswill be described in the following operation description.

The communication device 20 with the camera photographs the image of thetwo-dimensional code image (QR code) Q which is output to the displayoutput unit 12 by the CPU 13 and which is displayed on the displayoutput unit 12 of the scientific calculator 10, and transmits thecontent data (hereinafter, referred to as the “barcode content data (QRdata)”) of the photographed two-dimensional code image (QR code) to thecompute server 30 having an address set in advance, through thecommunication network N.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of anelectronic circuit of the compute server 30.

The electronic circuit of the compute server 30 includes a CPU 31 whichis a computer, a memory 32, a recording medium 33, a recording-mediumreading unit 34, and a communication unit 35. Also, as shown by brokenlines in FIG. 3, the electronic circuit may include a key input unit 36or a display output unit 37.

The CPU 31 controls the operations of the individual units of thecircuit according to a server control program 321 stored in the memory32, thereby executing various calculation processes according thebarcode content data (QR data) received from the communication device 20with the camera by the communication unit 35. The server control programmay be stored in advance in the memory 32, or may be loaded from therecording medium 33 such as a memory card into the memory 32 through therecording-medium reading unit 34, or may be downloaded from a Web server(not shown) on the communication network N into the memory 32 throughthe communication unit 35.

In the memory 32, the server control program 321 is stored, and areception QR data memory 322 for storing the barcode content data (QRdata) (such as the calculation function type, the function-basedcalculation data, and the calculation result data) received from thecommunication device 20 with the camera through the communication unit35 and primarily holding the barcode content data is ensured.

Also, the server control program 321 has a function of performing asetting operation or a maintenance operation according to a settingoperation, a maintenance operation, or the like on the key input unit 36by an operator of the corresponding compute server 30, a function ofdisplaying the intermediate progress or result of an operation of theserver control program on the display output unit 37, and so on.

The CPU 31 of the compute server 30 configured as described abovecontrols the operations of the individual units of the circuit accordingto commands described in the server control program 321 such thatsoftware and hardware operate in cooperation with each other, therebyimplementing a server process function of generating calculationreference information (an image) according to the received barcodecontent data (QR data) (such as the calculation function type, thefunction-based calculation data, and the calculation result data) andtransmitting the calculation reference information image to thecommunication device 20 with the camera which is the transmission sourceof the received barcode content data (QR data) and belongs to thestudent or the teacher, as will be described in the following operationdescription.

If the communication device 20 with the camera receives the calculationreference information image from the compute server 30 through thecommunication network N, it can display the calculation referenceinformation image on the display output unit 21, or can magnify andproject the calculation result by connecting a projector P to thecorresponding communication device 20 with the camera.

Subsequently, an operation of the calculator system having the abovedescribed configuration will be described.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are flow charts illustrating a display control process ofthe scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a server process of the computeserver 30.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a display operation according to a user'soperation in the matrix mode according to the display control process ofthe scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating image data of matrix calculation referenceinformation generated according to the server process of the computeserver 30 based on barcode content data (QR data) in the matrix mode ofthe scientific calculator 10.

In the scientific calculator (an information display device) 10, if the“MODE” key of the key input unit 11 is operated as shown in Part (A) ofFIG. 8, in STEP T101, a calculation function list menu MF is displayedon the display output unit 12.

In the calculation function list menu MF of the present embodiment,eight calculation functions ([1] FOUR-BASIC-OPERATION FUNCTION, [2]COMPLEX NUMBER CALCULATION FUNCTION, [3] N-ARY CALCULATION FUNCTION, [4]MATRIX CALCULATION FUNCTION, [5] VECTOR CALCULATION FUNCTION, [6]STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION, [7] FUNCTION EXPRESSION TABLECALCULATION FUNCTION, and [8] EQUATION CALCULATION FUNCTION) aredisplayed so as to be selectable.

(Matrix Calculation Process)

If the matrix calculation function of [4] is selected in the calculationfunction list menu MF by a user's operation (STEP S102), in STEP S103,as shown in Part (B) of FIG. 8, the operation mode of the scientificcalculator 10 is set to the matrix mode, and a matrix name list menu Mafor inputting matrix element data is displayed on the display outputunit 12.

In the state where the matrix name list menu Ma is displayed, even ifthe “QR” key (the “SHIFT”+“OPTN” key) is operated as shown in Part (C)of FIG. 8, the corresponding key operation is invalidated (inactivated),and thus the display content does not change (STEPS S104 and S105).

If a matrix name (here, “MatA” of No. 1) desired by the user isdesignated in the matrix name list menu Ma in STEP T106 as shown in Part(D) of FIG. 8, in STEP S107, a matrix size selection menu Mb isdisplayed on the display output unit 12.

In the state where the matrix size selection menu Mb is displayed, evenif the “QR” key is operated as shown in Part (E) of FIG. 8, thecorresponding key operation is invalidated (inactivated), and thus thedisplay content does not change (STEPS S108 and S109).

If a desired matrix size (here, “2×2” of No. 5) is designated in thematrix size selection menu Mb with respect to the matrix name “MatA” inSTEP T110 as shown in Part (F) of FIG. 8, in STEP S111, an element datainput screen Ga corresponding to the designated matrix size isdisplayed.

In the state where the element data input screen Ga is displayed, evenif the “QR” key is operated as shown in Parts (G) and (I) of FIG. 8, thecorresponding key operation is invalidated (inactivated), and thus thedisplay content does not change (STEPS S112 and S113).

After element data “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” of the matrix name “MatA” areinput in the element data input screen Ga as shown in Part (H) of FIG.8, if a clear process is performed by the “AC” key, and a “MATRIX”(“SHIFT”+“4”) key is operated, as shown in Part (J) of FIG. 8, in STEPS114, an expression input screen Gb is displayed.

If a matrix calculation expression (here, “det(MatA)”) is inputaccording to the expression input screen Gb, and a display is performedon the display output unit 12 as shown in Part (K) of FIG. 8, in STEPS115, the input matrix calculation expression “det(MatA)” and theelement data “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” of the calculation object “MatA” arestored in an input data area of the memory 14.

In course of inputting of the matrix calculation expression, even if the“QR” key is operated, the corresponding key operation is invalidated(inactivated), and thus the display content does not change (STEPS S116and S117).

Thereafter, if calculation execution is instructed by an operation onthe “=” key as shown in Part (L) of FIG. 8, in STEP S118, a calculationaccording to the matrix calculation expression “det(MatA)” (MatA=1, 2,3, 4) is performed, and a calculation result screen GA representing thecorresponding calculation expression and the calculation result “−2” isdisplayed on the display output unit 12.

Thereafter, if the “QR” (“SHIFT”+“OPTN”) key of the key input unit 11 isoperated in STEP S119 as shown in Part (M) of FIG. 8 in order to obtaincalculation reference information on the calculation expression“det(MatA)” and the calculation result “−2” from the compute server 30,in STEP S120, the current calculation function type “MATRIX CALCULATIONFUNCTION”, the function-based calculation data (the matrix calculationexpression “det(MatA)” and the element data (MatA=1, 2, 3, 4) of thecalculation object matrix), and the calculation result data “−2” areconverted as barcode content data into a two-dimensional code image (aQR code) Q, and the corresponding image is output to the display outputunit 12 by the CPU 13 and is displayed on the display output unit 12.

Thereafter, in a case where element data are re-input, the processreturns from STEP S121 to STEP S111; whereas re-inputting is notperformed, the process returns to STEP S103.

As described above, if the-dimensional code image (QR code) Q displayedon the display output unit 12 according to the calculation process bythe matrix calculation function of the scientific calculator 10 isphotographed by the communication device 20 with the camera (such as atablet PC) belonging to the student or the teacher as shown in Part (M)of FIG. 8, the barcode content data (QR data) which is the content ofthe two-dimensional code image (QR code) is decoded, and the currentcalculation function type “MATRIX CALCULATION FUNCTION”, thefunction-based calculation data (the matrix calculation expression“det(MatA)” and the element data (MatA=1, 2, 3, 4) of the calculationobject matrix), and the calculation result data “−2” which are thebarcode content data (QR data) are transmitted from the communicationdevice 20 to the compute server 30 through the communication network N,automatically or in response to a user's operation (see FIG. 2). Also,the address for accessing to the compute server 30 is known in advance,and the user inputs the corresponding address by operating thecommunication device 20 with the camera. Alternatively, in a case wherethe two-dimensional code image (QR code) includes the address of thecompute server, it is possible to extract the corresponding address fromthe barcode content data (QR data).

In the compute server 30, if the barcode content data (QR data), thatis, the current calculation function type “MATRIX CALCULATION FUNCTION”,the function-based calculation data (the matrix calculation expression“det(MatA)” and the element data (MatA=1, 2, 3, 4) of the calculationobject matrix), and the calculation result data “−2” transmitted fromthe communication device 20 with the camera through the communicationnetwork N are received by the communication unit 35, the CPU 31determines that the barcode content data (QR data) attributable to a QRoperation has been received (“Yes” in STEP S301).

Then, in STEP S302, the received barcode content data (QR data), thatis, the current calculation function type “MATRIX CALCULATION FUNCTION”,the function-based calculation data (the matrix calculation expression“det(MatA)” and the element data (MatA=1, 2, 3, 4) of the calculationobject matrix), and the calculation result data “−2” are primarily savedin the reception QR data memory 322 of the memory 32.

Then, if it is determined that the barcode content data (QR data) savedin the reception QR data memory 322 is data of the matrix calculationfunction (“Yes” in STEP S303), in STEP S304, an image of a calculationexpression “det([1, 2, 3, 4])” obtained by replacing the matrix part“MatA” of the matrix calculation expression “det(MatA)” with the elementdata “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is generated as an input screen Gi as shownin FIG. 9.

Subsequently, in STEP S305, an image of the calculation result data “−2”is generated as an output screen Go.

Then, in STEP S306, image data which is matrix calculation referenceinformation generated by vertically disposing the generated input screenGi and the generated output screen Go is transmitted to the mail addressof the communication device 20 with the camera which is the transmissionsource of the received barcode content data (QR data) and belongs to thestudent or the teacher.

Therefore, on the display output unit 21 of the communication device 20with the camera (such as a tablet PC with a camera) belonging to thestudent or the teacher, the image data Gi/Go of the matrix calculationexpression (after replacement with the element data) calculated in thescientific calculator 10 of the teacher and the calculation result aredisplayed as the matrix calculation reference information as shown inFIG. 9. Thereafter, if the corresponding matrix calculation referenceinformation Gi/Go is magnified and projected by the projector P,everyone of the class of the corresponding student or teacher can learnwhile seeing the content of the corresponding calculation.

Also, the matrix calculation function in the matrix mode of thescientific calculator 10 is performed in the same manner as that of thevector calculation function according to a vector mode, and thus adetailed description of the vector calculation function is omitted.

(Statistic Calculation Process)

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a display operation according tocalculation object element data input according to user's operations ina statistic mode according to the display control process of thescientific calculator 10, and image data of statistic calculationreference information (a first example) generated according to theserver process of the compute server 30 based on barcode content data(QR data) output during the corresponding display operation.

If the statistic calculation function of [6] is selected in thecalculation function list menu MF shown in Part (A) of FIG. 8 by auser's operation (STEP S122), in STEP S123, the operation mode of thescientific calculator 10 is set to the statistic mode, and a statisticcalculation type list menu Mc for designating a statistic calculationtype is displayed on the display output unit 12, as shown in Part (A) ofFIG. 10.

In the state where the statistic calculation type list menu Mc isdisplayed, even if the “QR” key is operated as shown in Part (B) of FIG.10, the corresponding key operation is invalidated (inactivated), andthus the display content does not change (STEPS S124 and S125).

If a calculation type (here, “1-VAR” of No. 1 representing a type“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”) desired by the user is designatedin the statistic calculation type list menu Mc as shown in Part (C) ofFIG. 10 in STEP S126, a table data input screen (here, a one variableinput screen) Gc for inputting calculation object element (table) dataof the designated calculation type “ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”is displayed.

If desired calculation object element (table) data (here, x values 1,12, 34, . . . , 29, 12, and 1) are input on the table data input screen(one variable input screen) Gc, in STEP S127, the designated calculationtype “ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION” and the input element data(the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12, and 1) are stored in the inputdata area 142 of the memory 14.

In the state where the calculation object element data x of thedesignated statistic calculation (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”)have been input, if the “QR” key of the key input unit 11 is operated asshown in Part (D) of FIG. 10 in STEP S128 in order to obtain calculationreference information from the compute server 30, in STEP S129, thecurrent calculation function type (“STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION” andthe calculation type (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”)) and thefunction-based calculation data (the calculation object element data(the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12, and 1) are converted as barcodecontent data into a two-dimensional code image (QR code) Q, which isoutput to the display output unit 12 by the CPU 13 and is displayed onthe display output unit 12.

If the two-dimensional code image (QR code) Q is displayed on thedisplay output unit 12 according to the calculation process by thestatistic calculation function of the scientific calculator 10 (afterinputting of the calculation object element data) as described above,and is photographed as shown in Part (E) of FIG. 10 by the communicationdevice 20 with the camera (such as a tablet PC) belonging to the studentor the teacher, the content of the two-dimensional code image (QR code)is decoded, and the barcode content data, that is, the currentcalculation function type (“STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION” and thecalculation type (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”)) and thefunction-based calculation data (the calculation object element data(the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12, and 1)) are transmitted fromthe communication device 20 to the compute server 30 through thecommunication network N, automatically or in response to a user'soperation (see FIG. 2).

In the compute server 30, if the communication unit 35 receives thebarcode content data (QR data) from the communication device 20 with thecamera through the communication network N, the CPU 31 determines thatthe barcode content data (QR data) attributable to a QR operation hasbeen received (“Yes” in STEP S301).

Then, in STEP S302, the received barcode content data (QR data), thatis, the current calculation function type (“STATISTIC CALCULATIONFUNCTION” and the calculation type (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTICCALCULATION”)) and the function-based calculation data (the calculationobject element data (the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12, and 1)) areprimarily saved in the reception QR data memory 322 of the memory 32.

Then, if it is determined that the barcode content data (QR data) savedin the reception QR data memory 322 is data of the statistic calculationfunction (“Yes” in STEP S307), and it is determined that the calculationtype is “ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION” (“Yes” in STEP S308), inSTEP S309, it is determined whether the saved barcode content data (QRdata) is barcode content data (QR data) including any calculation objectelement data (whether the saved barcode content data (QR data) isbarcode content data (QR data) including statistic calculation resultdata).

If it is determined that the barcode content data (QR data) of thestatistic calculation function saved in the reception QR data memory 322is barcode content data (QR data) including calculation object elementdata (“Yes” in STEP S309), first, in STEP S311, according to a graphtype (“BOX PLOT”) designated as a default (STEP S310), a graph image ofa box plot Hi is generated as a graph screen Gg based on the calculationobject element data (the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12, and 1)received and saved, as shown in Part (F) of FIG. 10.

Specifically, the graph image of the box plot Hi is drawn based on thecalculation result (the minimum value “min(x)” of 1, the first quartileQ1 of 6.5, the median “Med” of 20.5, the third quartile Q3 of 33, andthe maximum value “max(x)” of 43) obtained by performing theone-variable statistic calculation of the calculation object elementdata (the x values 1, 12, 34, and the like, 29, 12, and 1).

Also, in STEP S312, an image of a table T of the calculation objectelement data (the x values 1, 12, 34, and the like, 29, 12, and 1)received and saved is generated as a table screen Gt.

Then, in STEP S313, image data which is statistic calculation referenceinformation (the first example) generated by vertically disposing thegenerated graph screen Gg and the generated table screen Gt istransmitted to the mail address of the communication device 20 with thecamera which is the transmission source of the barcode content data (QRdata) and belongs to the student or the teacher.

Therefore, on the display output unit 21 of the communication device 20with the camera (such as a tablet PC with a camera) belonging to thestudent or the teacher, the image data Gg/Gt according to the statisticcalculation process of the scientific calculator 10 of the teacher(after inputting of the calculation object element data) is displayed asthe statistic calculation reference information (the first example) asshown in Part (F) of FIG. 10. Thereafter, if the statistic calculationreference information Gg/Gt is magnified and projected by the projectorP, everyone of the class of the corresponding student or teacher canlearn while seeing the content of the corresponding statisticcalculation.

Also, in the state where the image data Gg/Gt which is the statisticcalculation reference information (the first example) is displayed onthe communication device 20 with the camera, if the compute server 30receives information representing that another type has been designatedas the graph type in response to a user's operation on a pull-down keyPL for graph type designation provided on the graph screen Gg (STEPS310), in STEP S311, according to the designated graph type, a graphimage of a bar chart Bo or a graph image of a pie chart Ci correspondingto the calculation object element data (the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . ,29, 12, and 1) received and saved is generated as a graph screen Gg.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a display operation according tostatistic calculation performance according to user's operations in thestatistic mode according to the display control process of thescientific calculator 10, and image data of statistic calculationreference information (a second example) generated according to theserver process of the compute server 30 based on barcode content data(QR data) output during the corresponding display operation.

In the scientific calculator 10 of the statistic mode, after thecalculation object element data (the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12,and 1) for the statistic calculation (here, “ONE-VARIABLE STATISTICCALCULATION”) of the designated type are input according to theprocesses of STEPS S122 to S127, if calculation performance isinstructed as shown in Part (A) of FIG. 11 by a user's operation on the“=” key (“Yes” in STEP S130), in STEP S131, the statistic calculation(“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”) of the designated type isperformed.

In this case, in the one-variable statistic calculation performanceprocess of STEP S131, for example, thirteen statistic calculation resultdata items (the average “ x”, the sum of samples “Σx”, the sum of thesquares of the samples “Σx²”, the population variance “δx²”, thepopulation standard deviation “δx”, the sample variance “sx²”, thesample standard deviation “sx”, the number of samples “n”, the minimumvalue “min(x)”, the first quartile Q1, the median “Med”, the thirdquartile Q3, and the maximum value “max(x)”) are acquired based on thecalculation object element data (the x values 1, 12, 34, . . . , 29, 12,and 1). Subsequently, in STEP S132, the individual statistic calculationresult data items are divided into a plurality of calculation resultscreens Gc1 to Gc3, which is displayed on the display output unit 12such that they can be displayed by screen scrolling.

Thereafter, if the “QR” key of the key input unit 11 is operated asshown in Part (B) of FIG. 11 in order to obtain the calculationreference information obtained by performing the designated statisticcalculation (the one-variable statistic calculation) from the computeserver 30 (STEP S133), in STEP S134, the current calculation functiontype (“STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION” and the calculation type(“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”)), the statistic calculationresult data items (“ x” (the average of x), Σx, “Σx², δx², δx, sx², sx,n, min(x), Q1, Med, Q3, and max(x)) are converted as barcode contentdata into a two-dimensional code image (QR code) Q, which is output tothe display output unit 12 by the CPU 13 and which is displayed on thedisplay output unit 12.

Thereafter, in a case where calculation object element data arere-input, the process returns from STEP S135 to STEP S127; whereasre-inputting is not performed, the process returns to STEP S123.

As described above, if the two-dimensional code image (QR code) Qdisplayed on the display output unit 12 according to the calculationperformance by the statistic calculation function of the scientificcalculator 10 is photographed by the communication device 20 with thecamera (such as a tablet PC) belonging to the student or the teacher asshown in Part (C) of FIG. 11, the barcode content data (QR data) whichis the content of the two-dimensional code image (QR code) is decoded,and the corresponding barcode content data (QR data), that is, thecurrent calculation function type (“STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION” andthe calculation type (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”)) and thestatistic calculation result data items (“ x” (the average of x), Σx,“Σx², δx², δx, sx², sx, n, min(x), Q1, Med, Q3, and max(x)) aretransmitted from the communication device 20 to the compute server 30through the communication network N, automatically or in response to auser's operation (see FIG. 2).

In the compute server 30, if the barcode content data (QR data), thatis, the current calculation function type (“STATISTIC CALCULATIONFUNCTION” and the calculation type (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTICCALCULATION”)) and the statistic calculation result data items (“ x”(the average of x), Σx, “Σx², δx, δx, sx², sx, n, min(x), Q1, Med, Q3,and max(x)) transmitted from the communication device 20 with the camerathrough the communication network N are received by the communicationunit 35, the CPU 31 determines that barcode content data (QR data)attributable to a QR operation has been received (“Yes” in STEP S301).

Then, in STEP S302, the received barcode content data (QR data), thatis, the current calculation function type (“STATISTIC CALCULATIONFUNCTION” and the calculation type (“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTICCALCULATION”)) and the statistic calculation result data items (x, Σx,Σx², . . . , Med, Q3, and max(x)) according to performance of thestatistic calculation process of the scientific calculator 10 areprimarily saved in the reception QR data memory 322 of the memory 32.

Then, if it is determined that the barcode content data (QR data) savedin the reception QR data memory 322 is data of the statistic calculationfunction (“Yes” in STEP S307), and it is determined that the calculationtype is “ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION” (“Yes” in STEP S308), andit is determined that the saved barcode content data (QR data) isbarcode content data (QR data) including statistic calculation resultdata (“No” in STEP S309), in STEP S314, based on the statisticcalculation result data items (x, Σx, Σx², . . . , Med, Q3, and max(x))received and saved, an image showing the list of the statisticcalculation result data items is generated as an output screen Go asshown in Parts (D) and (F) of FIG. 11.

Also, in STEP S315, based on the statistic calculation result data items( x, Σx, Σx², . . . , Med, Q3, and max(x)) received and saved, a graphimage of a box plot Hi is generated as a graph screen Gg in the abovedescribed generation manner.

Then, in STEP S316, image data which is statistic calculation referenceinformation (the second example) generated by vertically disposing thegenerated output screen Go and the generated graph screen Gg istransmitted to the mail address of the communication device 20 with thecamera which is the transmission source of the barcode content data (QRdata) and belongs to the student or the teacher.

Therefore, on the display output unit 21 of the communication device 20with the camera (such as a tablet PC with a camera) belonging to thestudent or the teacher, the image data Go/Gg according to the statisticcalculation process (statistic calculation performance) of thescientific calculator 10 of the teacher is displayed as the statisticcalculation reference information (the second example) as shown in Part(D) of FIG. 11. Thereafter, if the statistic calculation referenceinformation Go/Gg is magnified and projected by the projector P,everyone of the class of the corresponding student or teacher can learnwhile seeing the content of the corresponding statistic calculation.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a display operation according tostatistic calculation performance according to user's operations in thestatistic mode according to the display control process of thescientific calculator 10, and image data of statistic calculationreference information generated according to the server process of thecompute server 30 based on barcode content data (QR data) output duringthe corresponding display operation.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, in STEPS S122 to S126, “NORMALDISTRIBUTION PROBABILITY CALCULATION” is designated as the statisticcalculation type.

Thereafter, with respect to distribution probabilities P(t), Q(t), andR(t) which are calculation objects, if element data P(1) of thedistribution probability P(t) is input in STEP S127 as shown in Part (A)of FIG. 12, and calculation performance is instructed as shown in Part(B) of FIG. 12 by an operation on the “=” key (“Yes” in STEP S130), acalculation of a normal distribution probability P(1) is performed inSTEP S131, and a calculation result screen GA showing the calculationresult “0.84134” is displayed on the display output unit 12 in STEPS132.

Thereafter, if the “QR” key of the key input unit 11 is operated asshown in Part (B) of FIG. 12 in STEP S133 in order to obtain calculationreference information obtained by performing the designated statisticcalculation (“NORMAL DISTRIBUTION PROBABILITY CALCULATION”) from thecompute server 30, in STEP S134, the current calculation function type(“STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION” and the calculation type (“NORMALDISTRIBUTION PROBABILITY CALCULATION”)) and the statistic calculationresult data “0.84134” are converted into a two-dimensional code image(QR code) Q, which is output to the display unit 12 by the CPU 13 andwhich is displayed on the display output unit 12.

Thereafter, if the two-dimensional code image (QR code) is photographedas described above by the communication device with the camera (such asa tablet PC) 20 belonging to the student or the teacher, barcode contentdata (QR data) which is the content of the two-dimensional code image(QR code) is decoded, and the barcode content data (QR data) istransmitted from the communication device 20 to the compute server 30through the communication network N, automatically or in response to auser's operation (see FIG. 2).

In this case, in the compute server 30, as shown in Part (E) of FIG. 12,according to the barcode content data (QR data) received from thecommunication device 20 with the camera, an image of a calculationexpression “P(1)” of the normal distribution probability calculation isgenerated as an input screen Gi, and an image of the calculation resultdata “0.84134” is generated as an output screen Go.

Thereafter, image data obtained as statistic calculation referenceinformation (the third example) by vertically disposing the generatedinput screen Gi and the generated output screen Go is transmitted to themail address of the communication device 20 with the camera which is thetransmission source of the barcode content data (QR data) and belongs tothe student or the teacher.

(Equation Calculation Process)

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating display operations according to user'soperations in an equation mode according to the display control processof the scientific calculator 10.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating image data of equation calculationreference information generated according to the server process of thecompute server 30 based on barcode content data (QR data) of theequation mode of the scientific calculator 10.

If the equation calculation function of [8] is selected in thecalculation function list menu MF of the scientific calculator 10 shownin Part (A) of FIG. 8 by a user's operation (STEP S136), in STEP S137,the operation mode of the scientific calculator 10 is set to theequation mode, and an equation calculation type list menu Md fordesignating an equation calculation type is displayed on the displayoutput unit 12, as shown in Part (A) of FIG. 13.

In the state where the equation calculation type list menu Md isdisplayed, even if the “QR” key is operated as shown in Part (B) of FIG.13, the corresponding key operation is invalidated (inactivated), andthus the display content does not change (STEPS S138 and S139).

If the user designates a desired calculation type (here, “anx+bnY=cn”representing a type “CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWOVARIABLES”) in the equation calculation type list menu Md as shown inPart (C) of FIG. 13 (STEP S140), an element data input screen (here, acoefficient (a, b, and c) input screen) Gd for inputting calculationobject element data of the designated calculation type (“CALCULATION OFSYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES”) is displayed.

If desired calculation object element data (here, values “1”, “1”, and“3” of coefficients “a1”, “b1”, and “c1” of a first equation, and values“1”, “2”, and “4” of coefficients “a2”, “b2”, and “c3” of a secondequation) are input on the element data input screen (a, b, and c) Gd asshown in Part (E) of FIG. 13, in STEP S141, the designated calculationtype “CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES” and theinput element data are stored in the input data area 142 of the memory14. Also, for example, in a case where the coefficient value of thevariable “x” is 1, “x” is displayed instead of “1x”, and in a case wherethe coefficient value of the variable “x” is 0, display of the variable“x” is deleted.

In the state where the element calculation type list menu (thecoefficient input screen) Gd is displayed, even if the “QR” key isoperated as shown in Parts (D) and (F) of FIG. 13, the corresponding keyoperation is invalidated (inactivated), and thus the display contentdoes not change (STEPS S142 and S143).

Thereafter, if calculation performance is instructed by a user'soperation on the “=” key as shown in Part (G) or (I) of FIG. 13 (“Yes”in STEP S144), an equation calculation of the designated type(“CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES”) is performed,and an X solution calculation result screen GX or a Y solutioncalculation result screen GY showing the calculation result [X=1, Y=1]is displayed on the display output unit 12 in STEP S145.

Also, as shown in Part (H) or (J) of FIG. 13, switching between the Xsolution calculation result screen GX and the Y solution calculationresult screen GY is performed in response to a user's operation on the“QR” key of the key input unit 11.

Thereafter, if the “QR” key of the key input unit 11 is operated in STEPS146 in order to obtain calculation reference information obtained byperforming the designated equation calculation (“CALCULATION OF SYSTEMOF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES”) from the compute server 30, in STEPS147, the current calculation function type (“EQUATION CALCULATIONFUNCTION” and the calculation type (“CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONSWITH TWO VARIABLES”)), the function-based calculation data (thecalculation object equation element data (the values “1”, “1”, and “3”of the coefficients “a1”, “b1”, and “c1” of the first equation, and thevalues “1”, “2”, and “4” of the coefficients “a2”, “b2”, and “c3” of thesecond equation), and the equation calculation result data (X=2, Y=1)are converted into a two-dimensional code image (QR code) Q, which isoutput to the display output unit 12 by the CPU 13 and which isdisplayed on the display output unit 12.

Thereafter, in a case where calculation object element data arere-input, the process returns from STEP S148 to STEP S141; whereasre-inputting is not performed, the process returns to STEP S137.

As described above, if the two-dimensional code image (QR code) Qdisplayed on the display output unit 12 according to the calculationperformance by the equation calculation function of the scientificcalculator 10 is photographed by the communication device 20 with thecamera (such as a tablet PC) belonging to the student or the teacher asshown in Part (K) of FIG. 13, barcode content data (QR data) which isthe content of the two-dimensional code image (QR code) is decoded, andthe corresponding barcode content data (QR data), that is, the currentcalculation function type (“EQUATION CALCULATION FUNCTION” and thecalculation type (“CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWOVARIABLES”)), the function-based calculation data (the calculationobject equation element data (the values “1”, “1”, and “3” of thecoefficients “a1”, “b1”, and “c1” of the first equation, and the values“1”, “2”, and “4” of the coefficients “a2”, “b2”, and “c3” of the secondequation), and the equation calculation result data (X=2, Y=1) aretransmitted from the corresponding communication device 20 to thecompute server 30 through the communication network N, automatically orin response to a user's operation (see FIG. 2).

In the compute server 30, if the barcode content data (QR data)transmitted from the communication device 20 with the camera through thecommunication network N are received by the communication unit 35, theCPU 31 determines that the barcode content data (QR data) attributableto a QR operation has been received (“Yes” in STEP S301).

Then, in STEP S302, the received barcode content data (QR data), thatis, the current calculation function type (“EQUATION CALCULATIONFUNCTION” and the calculation type (“CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONSWITH TWO VARIABLES”)), the function-based calculation data (thecalculation object equation element data (the values “1”, “1”, and “3”of the coefficients “a1”, “b1”, and “c1” of the first equation, and thevalues “1”, “2”, and “4” of the coefficients “a2”, “b2”, and “c3” of thesecond equation), and the equation calculation result data (X=2, Y=1)are primarily saved in the reception QR data memory 322 of the memory32.

Then, if it is determined that the barcode content data (QR data) savedin the reception QR data memory 322 is data of the equation calculationfunction (“Yes” in STEP S317), in STEP S318, based on the calculationtype (“CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES”) and theelement data (the values “1”, “1”, and “3” of the coefficients “a1”,“b1”, and “c1” of the first equation, and the values “1”, “2”, and “4”of the coefficients “a2”, “b2”, and “c3” of the second equation), animage of the calculation expression of the system of equations with twovariables “x+y=3” and “x+2y=4” is generated as an input screen Gi asshown in FIG. 14.

Also, in STEP S319, an image of the calculation result data (X=2, Y=1)is generated as an output screen Go.

Subsequently, in STEP S320, based on the calculation type (“CALCULATIONOF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES”) and the element data (thevalues “1”, “1”, and “3” of the coefficients “a1”, “b1”, and “c1” of thefirst equation, and the values “1”, “2”, and “4” of the coefficients“a2”, “b2”, and “c3” of the second equation), a graph image Fu includinga graph R (red) corresponding to the first equation “x+y=3” and a graphB (blue) corresponding to the second equation “x+2y=4” is generated as agraph screen Gg. At this time, in association with the graph image,information representing that the first equation “x+y=3” is the graph R(shown in red by a solid line) and information representing that thesecond equation “x+2y=4” is the graph B (shown in blue by a dotted line)may be displayed.

Thereafter, in STEP S321, image data obtained as equation calculationreference information by vertically disposing the input screen Gi, theoutput screen Go, and the graph screen Gg is transmitted to the mailaddress of the communication device 20 with the camera which is thetransmission source of the barcode content data (QR data) and belongs tothe student or the teacher.

Therefore, on the display output unit 21 of the communication device 20with the camera (such as a tablet PC with a camera) belonging to thestudent or the teacher, the image data Gi/Go/Gg composed of the systemof equations with two variables calculated in the scientific calculator10 of the teacher, the calculation result, and their graphs is displayedas the equation calculation reference information as shown in FIG. 14.Thereafter, if the corresponding equation calculation referenceinformation Gi/Go/Gg is magnified and projected by the projector P,everyone of the class of the corresponding student or teacher can learnwhile seeing the content of the corresponding equation calculation.

Also, the equation calculation function in the equation mode of thescientific calculator 10 is processed in the same manner as that of aninequality calculation function according to an inequality mode, andthus a detailed description of the corresponding inequality calculationfunction will not be made.

Also, in a process according to each of various calculation functions inthe scientific calculator 10, only in process steps in which it ispossible to acquire data (function type data, function-based calculationdata, and calculation result data) for obtaining appropriate calculationreference information from the compute server 30 according to acorresponding calculation function type, a key operation on the “QR” keyis valid (activated), and in the other process steps, a key operation onthe “QR” key is invalid (inactivated). Further, in order to clearly showprocess steps in which it is possible to acquire appropriate calculationreference information, as shown by a circled Y or a circled N of Parts(A′) to (L′) of FIG. 8, in a case where a key operation on the “QR” keyis valid (activated), a QR symbol SB may be displayed; whereas in a casewhere a key operation on the “QR” key is invalid (inactivated), the QRsymbol SB may not be displayed.

Therefore, according to the scientific calculator (an informationdisplay device) 10 having the above described configuration, if the userselects a desired calculation function type (a mode), and inputsnumerical value data to be calculation object element data in acalculation expression of the selected calculation function type, andinstructs performance of the corresponding calculation, calculationresult data calculated according to the calculation expression and thecalculation object element data is displayed on the display output unit12. Further, in the selected calculation function type (the mode), in astage in which the calculation object element data or/and thecalculation result data have been obtained, if the “QR” key is operated,in addition to the calculation function type (the selected calculationfunction type and the calculation type (calculation expression) in thecorresponding calculation function), the calculation object element dataor/and the calculation result data are converted into a two-dimensionalcode (QR code), which is displayed on the display output unit 12.

Therefore, the user can acquire appropriate calculation referenceinformation from the compute server 30 at an appropriate timing in thecalculation process only by reading the displayed two-dimensional codeby the communication device (such as a tablet PC) 20 with the camerahaving a general-purpose two-dimensional code reading function, therebyconverting the two-dimensional code into data, and transmitting the datato the compute server 30, and can learn the corresponding calculationwhile seeing the calculation reference information.

Therefore, according to the scientific calculator (the informationdisplay device) 10, it is possible to output appropriate data forgenerating appropriate reference information in an external device,according to a calculation type and a calculation state, such that theexternal device can acquire the output data.

Also, according to the compute server 30 having the above describedconfiguration, in a case where a calculation function type (“MATRIXCALCULATION FUNCTION” and a calculation expression) in the matrixcalculation function of the scientific calculator 10, calculation objectelement data, and calculation result data are received astwo-dimensional code data, an input screen Gi which is an image of theinput calculation expression to which the corresponding calculationobject element data have been input, and an output screen Go which is animage of the corresponding calculation result data are generated, andare transmitted as matrix calculation reference information to thecommunication device 20 which is the data transmission source.

Further, according to the compute server 30 having the above describedconfiguration, in a case where a calculation function type (“STATISTICCALCULATION FUNCTION” and a statistic calculation type (for example,“ONE-VARIABLE STATISTIC CALCULATION”)) in the statistic calculationfunction of the scientific calculator 10, and calculation object elementdata (table data of a variable “x”) are received as two-dimensional codedata, a graph screen Gg which is a graph image of a box plot Hi of thecalculation object element data (the table data of the variable “x”) anda table screen Gt which is an image of a table T of the correspondingelement data are generated, and are transmitted as statistic calculationreference information (the first example) to the communication device 20which is the data transmission source.

Furthermore, according to the compute server 30 having the abovedescribed configuration, in a case where a calculation function type(“STATISTIC CALCULATION FUNCTION” and statistic calculation types(thirteen types)) in the statistic calculation function of thescientific calculator 10, and the result data items of the individualcalculations are received as two-dimensional code data, an output screenGo showing the list of the calculation result data items, and a graphscreen Gg which is a graph image of a box plot Hi of the calculationresult data items are generated, and are transmitted as statisticcalculation reference information (the second example) to thecommunication device 20 which is the data transmission source.

Also, according to the compute server 30 having the above describedconfiguration, in a case where a calculation function type (“EQUATIONCALCULATION FUNCTION” and an equation calculation type (for example,“CALCULATION OF SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WITH TWO VARIABLES”) in the equationcalculation function of the scientific calculator 10, calculation objectelement data, and calculation result data are received astwo-dimensional code data, an input screen Gi which is an image of thesystem of equations to which the calculation object element data havebeen input, an output screen Go which is an image of the correspondingcalculation result data, and a graph screen Gg which is a graph image Fuof the system of equations are generated, and are transmitted asequation calculation reference information to the communication device20 which is the data transmission source.

Therefore, the user of the scientific calculator (the informationdisplay device) 10 can acquire calculation reference information havingappropriate content at an appropriate timing in various calculationprocesses, and can learn while seeing the calculation referenceinformation.

Also, the method of each process according to the calculator systemdescribed in each embodiment, that is, the method of each of the displaycontrol process of the scientific calculator (the information displaydevice) 10 shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 4 to 6, the server processof the compute server 30 shown in FIG. 7, and the like can be stored, asa program which can be executable in any calculator, in a recordingmedium such as a memory card (such as a ROM card or a RAM card), amagnetic disk (such as a floppy (a trademark) disk or a hard disk), anoptical disk (such as a CD-ROM or a DVD), or a semiconductor memory tobe distributed. Also, program data for realizing the methods can betransmitted in a program code form on the communication network N, andthe program data can be loaded into a computer of an electronicapparatus connected to the communication network N by a communicationunit, thereby realizing the display control function and the serverfunction described above.

Hereinafter, a preferred second embodiment of the present invention willbe described with reference to the drawings.

[Functional Configuration of Information Processing System]

[Scientific Calculator]

The scientific calculator 10′ has the same external appearance as thatof the scientific calculator 10 shown in FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG.15, the scientific calculator 10′ includes an input unit 1040, a displayunit 1042, a storage unit 1044, a RAM (random access memory) 1046, and aCPU (central processing unit) 1048.

The input unit 1040 is composed of key groups, and is configured tooutput a signal corresponding to a depressed key to the CPU 1048.

The display unit 1042 is composed of a display 12, and is configured todisplay a variety of information according to signals from the CPU 1048.

The storage unit 1044 is a non-volatile memory which is composed of aROM (read only memory) or the like.

The storage unit 1044 retains various programs. Here, especially, thestorage unit retains a QR data generating program 1044 a.

The QR data generating program 1044 a is a program for making the CPU1048 perform a QR data generating process (to be described below) (seeFIG. 16A).

In the storage unit 1044, a variety of data are also retained.

In the storage unit 1044, a plurality of calculation modes, a terminalID, and so on are retained.

The storage unit 1044 retains the plurality of calculation modes inassociation with mode codes assigned to the calculation modes in aone-to-one correspondence manner. The mode codes are for specifying thecalculation modes.

The “terminal ID” is a model number which is unique to the scientificcalculator 10′ and specifies the model name of the scientific calculator10′.

The RAM 1046 is a volatile memory which temporarily stores information.

The RAM 1046 is configured to form a plurality of work areas for storingvarious programs, data relative to those programs, and so on.

The CPU 1048 is for generally controlling every unit of the scientificcalculator 10′.

The CPU 1048 is configured to develop a program in the RAM 1046 if thecorresponding program is designated from a system program and variousapplication programs retained in the storage unit 1044, and performvarious processes in cooperation with the program developed in the RAM1046.

[Server]

The server 30′ has functions corresponding to the compute server 30 ofFIG. 1, and has a configuration substantially similar to that of thescientific calculator 10′.

The server 30′ includes not only a storage unit 3054, a RAM 3056, and aCPU 3058, but also a communication unit 3059.

The storage unit 3054 is a non-volatile memory which is composed of aROM (read only memory) or the like.

The storage unit 3054 retains various programs. Here, especially, thestorage unit retains a QR data using program 3054 a.

The QR data using program 3054 a is a program for making the CPU 3058perform a QR data using process (to be described below) (see FIG. 16B).

In the storage unit 3054, a variety of data are also retained.

In the storage unit 3054, template information items 3054 b areretained.

The template information items 3054 b are information items equivalentto the plurality of calculation modes retained in the storage unit 1044of the scientific calculator 10′, and correspond to the plurality ofcalculation modes retained in the storage unit 1044 of the scientificcalculator 10′. The storage unit 3054 retains the template informationitems 3054 b in association with the calculation modes, respectively.

The storage unit 3054 also retains the template information items 3054 bin association with the mode codes assigned to the calculation modessuch that the calculation modes correspond to the mode codes in aone-to-one correspondence manner.

For each terminal ID, a plurality of template information items 3054 bis retained. According to this data configuration, if a mode code and aterminal ID are specified, one calculation mode is specified.

The RAM 3056 is a volatile memory which temporarily stores information,and is configured to form a plurality of work areas for storing variousprograms, data relative to those programs, and so on.

The communication unit 3059 is composed of a so-called transceiver, andis used in data communication with the portable terminal 20′.

The CPU 3058 is for generally controlling every unit of the server 30′.

Especially, the CPU 3058 can extract an appropriate template informationitem 3054 b (a calculation mode) from the storage unit 3054, and converteach template information item 3054 b of the storage unit 3054.

[Portable Terminal]

The portable terminal 20′ has functions corresponding to thecommunication device 20 with the camera shown in FIG. 1, and has aconfiguration substantially similar to that of the scientific calculator10′.

The portable terminal 20′ includes not only an input unit 2060, adisplay unit 2062, a storage unit 2064, a RAM 2066, and a CPU 2068, butalso a photographing unit 2070, and a communication unit 2072.

The input unit 2060 is composed of a so-called touch panel, and is usedto receive user's touch operations.

The display unit 2062 is composed of a display, and is configured todisplay a variety of information according to signals from the CPU 2068.

The storage unit 2064 is a non-volatile memory which is composed of aROM or the like, and retains various programs and a variety of data.

The RAM 2066 is a volatile memory which temporarily stores information,and is configured to form a plurality of work areas for storing variousprograms, data relative to those programs, and so on.

The photographing unit 2070 is composed of a so-called camera, and isused to photogram QR codes which are displayed on the display 12 of thescientific calculator 10′.

The communication unit 2072 is composed of a so-called transceiver, andis used in data communication with the server 30′.

The CPU 2068 is for generally controlling every unit of the portableterminal 20′. Especially, the CPU 2068 can decode QR codes photographedby the photographing unit 2070, and transmit the decoded informationfrom the communication unit 2072 to the server 30′, and instruct theserver 30′ to perform calculation mode changing.

[Operation of Information Processing System]

[Operation of Scientific Calculator]

In the scientific calculator 10′, the QR data generating process isperformed.

If the QR data generating program 1044 a is read from the storage unit1044 and is developed in the RAM 1046, as a result, the QR datagenerating process is performed by cooperation of the QR data generatingprogram 1044 a and the CPU 1048. The CPU 1048 performs the QR datagenerating process according to the QR data generating program 1044 a.

As shown in FIG. 16A, if a user selects one of the plurality ofcalculation modes by operating a MODE key 27 and a cursor key 114, andinputs numerical values by operating numeric keys, in STEP T10, the CPU1048 receives the calculation mode selection and the numerical valueinput.

In FIG. 16A, there is shown an example in which an EQN (equationcalculation) mode has been selected as a calculation mode, and a systemof equations “x+2y+z=2”, “3x+5y+3z=5”, and “7x+8y+7z=8” have been input.

Thereafter, in STEP T11, the CPU 1048 generates transmission dataincluding a mode code corresponding to the selected calculation mode,the input numerical values, and the terminal ID of the scientificcalculator 10′.

In FIG. 16A, there is shown an example in which numerical values “1”,“2”, “1”, and “2” sequentially representing the coefficients of thevariables of the expression “x+2y+z=2” and the right-hand value of thecorresponding expression, numerical values “3”, “5”, “3”, and “5”similarly corresponding to “3x+5y+3z=5”, and numerical values “7”, “8”,“7”, and “8” similarly corresponding to “7x+8y+7z=8” have been input.

Thereafter, the CPU 1048 converts the transmission data into a QR codein STEP T12, and displays the generated QR code on the display 12 inSTEP T13.

[Operation of Portable Terminal]

If a user photographs the QR code of the scientific calculator 10′ bythe photographing unit 2070, the CPU 2068 decodes the QR code into thetransmission data, which is transmitted from the communication unit 2072to the server 30′.

[Operation of Server]

In the server 30′, the QR data using process is performed.

If the QR data using program 3054 a is read from the storage unit 3054and is developed in the RAM 3056, as a result, the QR data using processis performed by cooperation of the QR data using program 3054 a and theCPU 3058. The CPU 3058 performs the QR data using process according tothe QR data using program 3054 a.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the CPU 3058 receives the transmission datathrough the communication unit 3059 in STEP T20, and analyzes thetransmission data in STEP T21.

Thereafter, in STEP T22, the CPU 3058 specifies the mode code, thenumerical values, and the terminal ID included in the transmission data,based on the analysis result, and extracts a template information item3054 b corresponding to the mode code and the terminal ID, from thestorage unit 3054.

Here, especially, with reference to the mode code included in thetransmission data, the CPU 3058 specifies and extracts a templateinformation item 3054 b corresponding to the mode code.

In FIG. 16B, there is shown an example in which a template informationitem for the EQN mode corresponding to the mode code assigned to the EQNmode and included in the transmission data is extracted from thetemplate information items such as the template information item for theEQN mode, a template information item for a MATRIX (matrix calculation)mode, and a template information item for a STAT (statistic calculation)mode.

Thereafter, the CPU 3058 applies the specified numerical values to theextracted template information item 3054 b in STEP T23, and sets up theoriginal calculation expression corresponding to the calculation modeselected by the scientific calculator 10′, in STEP T24.

In FIG. 16B, there is shown an example in which the specified numericalvalues “1”, “2”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “5”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “8”, “7”, and “8”have been applied to the coefficients “a” to “1” of the EQN modetemplate information item composed of a system of equations “ax+by+cz=d”, “ex+fy+gz=h”, and “ix+jy+kz=1”, respectively.

Thereafter, the CPU 3058 transmits data on the set calculationexpression from the communication unit 3059 to the portable terminal20′, whereby the user can use (calculate) the original calculationexpression expressed by the scientific calculator 10′, as it is, by theportable terminal 20′.

Thereafter, in STEP T30, the CPU 3058 repeatedly determines whethercalculation mode changing has been performed in the portable terminal20′.

In this process, if the user changes the calculation mode by performinga touch operation on the input unit 2060 of the portable terminal 20′,the CPU 2068 of the portable terminal 20′ transmits information on thechange of calculation mode from the communication unit 2072 to theserver 30′, thereby instructing a change of calculation mode. The CPU3058 of the server 30′ receives the corresponding information throughthe communication unit 3059, and determines whether the calculation modehas been changed.

In a case where the calculation mode has been changed, in STEP T31, theCPU 3058 re-extracts a template information item 3054 b corresponding tothe changed calculation mode, from the storage unit 3054.

Thereafter, in STEP T32, the CPU 3058 applies the previously specifiednumerical values, as they are, to the re-extracted template informationitem 3054 b, thereby converting the set calculation expression intoanother calculation expression.

In FIG. 16B, there is shown an example in which the calculation mode hasbeen changed from the EQN mode to the MATRIX mode or the STAT mode, andthe previously specified numerical values “1”, “2”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “5”,“3”, “5”, “7”, “8”, “7”, and “8” have been applied to the coefficients“a” to “1” of the template information item for the MATRIX mode or theSTAT mode.

Even in this case, the CPU 3058 transmits data on the convertedcalculation expression from the communication unit 3059 to the portableterminal 20′, whereby the user can use the converted calculationexpression, as it is, in the portable terminal 20′.

In the above described present embodiment, as shown in STEPS T10 to T13of FIG. 16A and STEPS T20 to T24 of FIG. 16B, the scientific calculator10′ generates the QR code based on the mode code, the input numericalvalues, and the terminal ID, and the server 30′ extracts the templateinformation item 3054 b based on the mode code and the terminal ID, andapplies the input numerical values to the extracted template informationitem 3054 b, and sets up the calculation expression corresponding to thecalculation mode selected by the scientific calculator 10′.

According to this configuration, if the numerical values are input tothe scientific calculator 10′, in the server 30′, the calculation modeis complemented, and the mathematical expression of the scientificcalculator 10′ is implemented as it is. Therefore, in the portableterminal 20′, it is possible to instantly generate data on themathematical representation such as equation representation and matrixrepresentation in cooperation with the server 30′.

Further, since the server 30′ already has the template information items3054 b, the scientific calculator 10′ needs only to convert a smallamount of data such as the mode code, the numerical values and theterminal ID into a code, and can virtually transmit data on themathematical representation of the scientific calculator 10′ to theportable terminal 20′ through the server 30′.

As a result, even in the portable terminal 20′, it is possible to usethe mathematical representation of the scientific calculator 10′ as itis.

In this case, since a mathematical representation display object isswitched from the small-sized scientific calculator 10′ to thelarge-sized portable terminal 20′, it is possible to providerepresentation which is easy to be visually understood, for the user,and it is possible to output information such as mathematicalrepresentation data retained in the scientific calculator 10′ to theoutside, for example, by attachment to an electronic report, such thatthe corresponding information can be used.

As shown in STEPS T30 to T32 of FIG. 16B, in a state where the numericalvalues input to the scientific calculator 10′ are fixed, in the server30′, it is possible to convert only the mathematical representation.Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change of calculationmode according to a user's design change.

Also, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are notlimited to the above described embodiments and modifications, and can beappropriately modified without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

For example, although an electronic device (a first electronic device)according to the present invention has been described as the scientificcalculator 10′, products to which the present invention can be appliedare not limited thereto. The first electronic device can be applied togeneral electronic devices such as portable phones, personal computers,tablet terminals (including smart phones), PDAs (personal digitalassistants), and game consoles.

Although a second electronic device according to the present inventionhas been described as the portable terminal 20′, the second electronicdevice can be applied to general electronic devices such as foldablemobile phones, personal computers, tablet terminals, PDAs, and gameconsoles as long as they basically have a photographing function and acommunication function.

Although an information processing device according to the presentinvention has been described as the server 30′, the informationprocessing device can be applied to general electronic devices such asportable phones, personal computers, tablet terminals, PDAs, and gameconsoles as long as they basically have a communication function, amemory function, and an information processing function.

Also, the QR data generating program 1044 a may be stored in an externalinformation storage medium which can be inserted into or removed fromthe scientific calculator 10′.

The QR data using program 3054 a also may be stored in an externalinformation storage medium which can be inserted into or removed fromthe server 30′.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and may havevarious modifications within the scope without departing from the spiritthereof at the time of carrying out the invention. In addition, theembodiments include inventions of various stages, and thus variousinventions may be extracted by appropriate combinations of a pluralityof disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituentelements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in theembodiments, or some constituent elements are combined in differentforms, a configuration in which the constituent elements are deleted orcombined may be extracted as an invention in a case of being capable ofsolving the problems described in the Problem that the Invention is toSolve and achieving the effects described in the Advantage of theInvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A calculator comprising: an input unit; and aprocessor, wherein the processor is configured to perform followingprocesses: receiving a selection of a calculation function typeaccording to a user's operation; receiving an input of calculationobject data according to the selected calculation function type,according to a user's operation; and outputting at least one of thecalculation object data and calculation result data obtained by acalculation based on the input calculation object data, as externaldata.
 2. The calculator according to claim 1, further comprising: adisplay, wherein the processor is configured to perform followingprocesses: receiving an output operation according to a user's operationon the input unit for outputting the external data; displaying thecalculation result data on the display; and outputting at least one ofthe calculation object data and the calculation result data as theexternal data according to an input state of the calculation object dataand a display state of the calculation result data during the outputoperation.
 3. The calculator according to claim 2, wherein: theprocessor is configured to perform following processes: in a case wherethe selected calculation function type is a matrix calculation function,receiving a matrix expression and element data thereof as thecalculation object data; and in a case of outputting at least one of thecalculation object data and the calculation result data, the processoris configured to perform following processes: outputting the calculationobject data without the calculation result data after inputting thecalculation object data and before displaying the calculation resultdata on the display; and outputting the calculation result data withoutthe calculation object data to after displaying the calculation resultdata on the display; wherein outputting the calculation object data andthe calculation result data is displaying the calculation result data onthe display.
 4. The calculator according to claim 2, wherein: theprocessor is configured to perform following processes: in a case wherethe selected calculation function type is a statistic calculationfunction, receiving a statistic calculation type and statistic elementdata according to the statistic calculation type, as the calculationobject data; and after inputting the calculation object data and beforedisplaying the calculation result data on the display, outputting thecalculation object data and the calculation result data; and afterdisplaying the calculation result data on the display, outputting thecalculation result data.
 5. The calculator according to claim 2,wherein: the processor is configured to perform following processes: ina case where the selected calculation function type is an equationcalculation function, receiving an equation type and equation elementdata according to the equation type, as the calculation object data; andafter displaying the calculation result data on the display, outputtingthe calculation object data and the calculation result data.
 6. Thecalculator according to claim 2, wherein: the processor is configured toperform following processes: converting at least one of the calculationobject data and the calculation result data into a two-dimensional codeaccording to the selected calculation function type; and outputting thetwo-dimensional code as an image data to the display.
 7. The calculatoraccording to claim 2, wherein: the processor is configured to performfollowing processes: in a case of outputting the external data,converting at least one of the calculation object data and thecalculation result data into a two-dimensional code according to theinput state of the calculation object data and the display state of thecalculation result data during the output operation; displaying thetwo-dimensional code as an image on the display; in a case where theoperation for outputting the external data is activated, outputting asymbol of the two-dimensional code to the display; and in a case wherethe operation for outputting the external data is inactivated, notoutputting the symbol of the two-dimensional code to the display.
 8. Thecalculator according to claim 2, wherein: the processor is configured toperform following processes: receiving numerical value data as thecalculating object data; generating external data which includes theinput numerical value data and calculation mode information representingthe selected calculation function type; converting the external datainto a two-dimensional code; and in the case of outputting the externaldata, outputting the converted two-dimensional code to the display.
 9. Anon-transitory recording medium having a calculator control programstored thereon for controlling a computer of a calculator, causing thecomputer to perform following processes: receiving a selection ofcalculation function type according to a user's operation; receiving aninput of calculation object data according to the selected calculationfunction type, according to a user's operation; and outputting at leastone of the calculation object data and calculation result data obtainedby a calculation based on the input calculation object data according tothe selected calculation function type, as external data, according tothe selected calculation function type.
 10. A compute server configuredto perform following processes: acquiring at least one of calculationobject data and calculation result data according to a selection ofcalculation function type output by a calculator; generating referenceinformation image data based on at least one of the acquired calculationobject data and the acquired calculation result data; and outputting thegenerated reference information image data.
 11. The compute serveraccording to claim 10, configured to further perform followingprocesses: in a case where the calculation function type is a matrixcalculation function, acquiring a matrix expression and element datathereof as the calculation object data; generating an image of a matrixcalculation expression obtained by replacing corresponding element partsof the matrix expression with the acquired element data, and an image ofcalculation result data, based on the matrix expression, the elementdata of the matrix expression and calculation result data of the matrixexpression, as the reference information image data; and outputting thegenerated image of the matrix calculation expression and the generatedimage of the calculation result data.
 12. The compute server accordingto claim 10, configured to further perform following processes: in acase where the calculation function type is a statistic calculationfunction, acquiring a statistic calculation type and statistic elementdata according to the statistic calculation type as the calculationobject data; in a case of acquiring the statistic calculation type andthe statistic element data according to the statistic calculation type,generating a graph image and a table image corresponding to thestatistic element data, and outputting the generated graph image and thegenerated table image; and in a case of acquiring the calculation resultdata of the statistic calculation, generating a list display image and agraph image corresponding to the calculation result data, and outputtingthe generated list display image and the generated graph image.
 13. Thecompute server according to claim 10, configured to further performfollowing processes: in a case where the calculation function type is anequation calculation function, acquiring an equation type and equationelement data according to the equation type, as the calculation objectdata; generating an image of a calculation expression of an equationobtained by replacing corresponding element parts of the equation withthe acquired element data, an image of calculation result data and agraph image corresponding to the calculation expression of the equation,based on the equation type, the equation element data according to theequation type and the calculation result data of the correspondingequation; and outputting the generated image of the calculationexpression, the generated image of the calculation result data and thegenerated graph image.
 14. The compute server according to claim 10,further comprising: a memory, wherein the compute server is configuredto performs following processes: storing template information itemcorresponding to each calculation mode, in the memory; acquiring thecalculation object data which includes numerical value data input to thecalculator and information of a calculation mode selected by thecalculator, as transmission data; extracting a template information itemcorresponding to the information of the calculation mode included in thetransmission data, from the memory; applying the numerical value dataincluded in the transmission data to the extracted template informationitem so as to obtain a calculation expression corresponding to thecalculation mode selected by the calculator; and transmitting image dataof the obtained calculation expression data as the reference informationimage data.
 15. The compute server according to claim 14, configured tofurther perform following processes: acquiring a change instruction ofthe calculation mode of the calculator; re-extracting a templateinformation item corresponding to a second calculation mode according tothe change instruction, from the memory; and applying the numericalvalues included in the transmission data to the re-extracted templateinformation item so as to convert the obtained calculation expressioninto another calculation expression.